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Jake Travis #4
The Gail Force
Jake Travis, while trying to expose a corrupt Miami art dealer, goes undercover for the FBI. The galley's owner, Phillip Agatha, is more enchanted with murder than he is with art.
Aboard Agatha's luxury yacht, The Gail Force, Jake is taken with Agatha's charm and falls for his alluring assistant, Christina, who harbors her own secrets. Unknowingly, Jake plays into Agatha's hands, and fingers an innocent woman to die.
As Jake battles to save the woman, unearth a rogue FBI agent, and bring Agatha to justice, his greatest challenge is to withstand the Gail Force, and stay loyal to his girlfriend, Kathleen.
Aboard Agatha's luxury yacht, The Gail Force, Jake is taken with Agatha's charm and falls for his alluring assistant, Christina, who harbors her own secrets. Unknowingly, Jake plays into Agatha's hands, and fingers an innocent woman to die.
As Jake battles to save the woman, unearth a rogue FBI agent, and bring Agatha to justice, his greatest challenge is to withstand the Gail Force, and stay loyal to his girlfriend, Kathleen.
- GenresThriller
380 pages, Paperback
First published September 21, 2016
208 people are currently reading
418 people want to read
About the author
Robert Lane
13 books196 followersRobert Lane is the author of the critically acclaimed Jake Travis novels. His debut novel, "The Second Letter" was the Independent Book Publishers Association 2015 Gold Medal Winner for Best New Voice: Fiction.
Florida Weekly states: “Jake Travis is one of the best leading men to take the thriller-fiction stage in recent years. Lane has created a winning hero who is super-skilled, super-fit, oddly bookish, and funny as a stiletto. Lane mixes confidence and doubt, steadiness and recklessness, and toughness and sensitivity in engaging proportions.”
Foreword Clarion Reviews adds: "Lane’s writing is sharp, evocative, and gripping. Travis distinguishes himself from other dynamic PI’s in the genre via his pure zest for life which is often presented with a sensual edge.”
“Razor-sharp wit.” Midwest Book Review
“The prose is confident and clever, the pacing smooth and compelling…consistently entertaining crime thrillers.” Kirkus Reviews
“Entertaining and enjoyable.” SceneSarasota
“Witty dialogue, and page-turning drama.” BlueInk Reviews
Lane resides on the west coast of Florida.
Florida Weekly states: “Jake Travis is one of the best leading men to take the thriller-fiction stage in recent years. Lane has created a winning hero who is super-skilled, super-fit, oddly bookish, and funny as a stiletto. Lane mixes confidence and doubt, steadiness and recklessness, and toughness and sensitivity in engaging proportions.”
Foreword Clarion Reviews adds: "Lane’s writing is sharp, evocative, and gripping. Travis distinguishes himself from other dynamic PI’s in the genre via his pure zest for life which is often presented with a sensual edge.”
“Razor-sharp wit.” Midwest Book Review
“The prose is confident and clever, the pacing smooth and compelling…consistently entertaining crime thrillers.” Kirkus Reviews
“Entertaining and enjoyable.” SceneSarasota
“Witty dialogue, and page-turning drama.” BlueInk Reviews
Lane resides on the west coast of Florida.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 18, 2016
Jake Travis is back and once again up to his neck in bad guys!
When Riley Anderson shows up on Jake's lawn looking for help and telling a fantastic story, we just know he's going to help her find the man responsible for murdering her husband and return the favor.
Using an art gallery as a front for his wicked little blackmail schemes, Phillip Agatha has thugs as well as politicians and the FBI in his pockets. And the discovery of this sent Riley and her husband, Karl to the FBI, who in turn dropped them in a remote location where Agatha was waiting to get rid of them. Only Riley gets away.
Jake calls in some favors and gets himself involved. Although he can grudgingly admire Agatha's knowledge and outlook on life, he knows he will need all of his wits to pull this off. Who can he trust at the FBI? Will he be able to rescue the lovely assistant, Christina?
Will he ever get off the Gail Force alive? And keep the people he cares about safe?
Mr. Lane's writing is clean, crisp, no wasted words here, just edge of your seat suspense and nail biting twists!
Looks as though we have another really good player on the field of Crime Thrillers!
Thank you to Netgalley for this copy! Book Release set September 2, 2016
When Riley Anderson shows up on Jake's lawn looking for help and telling a fantastic story, we just know he's going to help her find the man responsible for murdering her husband and return the favor.
Using an art gallery as a front for his wicked little blackmail schemes, Phillip Agatha has thugs as well as politicians and the FBI in his pockets. And the discovery of this sent Riley and her husband, Karl to the FBI, who in turn dropped them in a remote location where Agatha was waiting to get rid of them. Only Riley gets away.
Jake calls in some favors and gets himself involved. Although he can grudgingly admire Agatha's knowledge and outlook on life, he knows he will need all of his wits to pull this off. Who can he trust at the FBI? Will he be able to rescue the lovely assistant, Christina?
Will he ever get off the Gail Force alive? And keep the people he cares about safe?
Mr. Lane's writing is clean, crisp, no wasted words here, just edge of your seat suspense and nail biting twists!
Looks as though we have another really good player on the field of Crime Thrillers!
Thank you to Netgalley for this copy! Book Release set September 2, 2016
December 21, 2016
The Gail Force (Jake Travis #4) by Robert Lane
In the FBI sometimes it is necessary to act as an Under Cover Agent in order to infiltrate a corrupt organization, that is not operating honestly and above board. There are several reasons for doing this. In this novel Jake Travis goes undercover trying to expose Philip Agatha. Philip Agatha is the owner of an art gallery in Miami Florida. Philip Agatha is more interested in Murder than he is with the art in his gallery.
Philip Agatha also owns a yacht which he has aptly named The Gail Force. Jake Travis is enamored by the attractive Christina who is Philip's assistant. Christina has a treasure chest full of secrets. This has been my first experience reading Robert Lane's Jake Travis series. Even though this one is the fourth installment in the series it can be enjoyed as a stand alone. I have just discovered this series and look forward to reading the previous three. I really love this series because although it is a thriller with suspense, Jake Travis lightens the mood with his great sense of humor and wit. I think this series will appeal to both men and women equally. The characters in this novel are developed really well. The writing is excellent and their is the humor I mentioned. I get really excited when I find a new author with books written that I look forward to reading. That helps when you are really enjoying a book and get sad when you are finishing it because there is more to look forward too. I am looking forward to purchasing Robert Lane's three previous novels. There are plenty of twists and turns and totally interesting writing.
Thank you Net Galley, the talented Robert Lane, and Mason Alley Publishing for providing me with this humorous digital copy for a fair and honest review.
In the FBI sometimes it is necessary to act as an Under Cover Agent in order to infiltrate a corrupt organization, that is not operating honestly and above board. There are several reasons for doing this. In this novel Jake Travis goes undercover trying to expose Philip Agatha. Philip Agatha is the owner of an art gallery in Miami Florida. Philip Agatha is more interested in Murder than he is with the art in his gallery.
Philip Agatha also owns a yacht which he has aptly named The Gail Force. Jake Travis is enamored by the attractive Christina who is Philip's assistant. Christina has a treasure chest full of secrets. This has been my first experience reading Robert Lane's Jake Travis series. Even though this one is the fourth installment in the series it can be enjoyed as a stand alone. I have just discovered this series and look forward to reading the previous three. I really love this series because although it is a thriller with suspense, Jake Travis lightens the mood with his great sense of humor and wit. I think this series will appeal to both men and women equally. The characters in this novel are developed really well. The writing is excellent and their is the humor I mentioned. I get really excited when I find a new author with books written that I look forward to reading. That helps when you are really enjoying a book and get sad when you are finishing it because there is more to look forward too. I am looking forward to purchasing Robert Lane's three previous novels. There are plenty of twists and turns and totally interesting writing.
Thank you Net Galley, the talented Robert Lane, and Mason Alley Publishing for providing me with this humorous digital copy for a fair and honest review.
January 4, 2017
This was the second Jake Travis book I've read and I enjoyed it just as much as the first. The character is charming and witty and James-Bond-ish in a beach bum kind of way. He cleverly infiltrates and shines light on the intricate world of "bought"blackmail. The writing keeps you hooked and Jake is such a multi-dimensional hero, the book is a sure bet.
Thanks to Mason Alley Publishing and Netgalley.com, as well as the author, for allowing me the opportunity to enjoy this read.
Thanks to Mason Alley Publishing and Netgalley.com, as well as the author, for allowing me the opportunity to enjoy this read.
February 27, 2020
Probably Deserves 5 Stars But...
As my title line states “The GailForce” probably deserves 5 stars, but I could only give it four.
Why?
Well. While the storyline, plot, was well conceived, and extremely well carried out...The characters well developed, and the editing superb, to me it seemed unfinished. Probably more me, than any flaw of the author.
That said I recommend the book, as I have the past books in the series.
As my title line states “The GailForce” probably deserves 5 stars, but I could only give it four.
Why?
Well. While the storyline, plot, was well conceived, and extremely well carried out...The characters well developed, and the editing superb, to me it seemed unfinished. Probably more me, than any flaw of the author.
That said I recommend the book, as I have the past books in the series.
May 15, 2017
I enjoyed this book by an author who is new to me. The plot was a little murky at times and hard to follow; but, overall, the book kept my interest, the characters were compellingly written, and the pace was steady.
January 30, 2017
Excellent book! I loved the story. Lots of suspense. The characters are strong. I strongly recommend this book.
June 23, 2019
Love Lane
Love his humor and and keeps me interested till the end. I want more! Plz!!! He is the very best!!!!!
Love his humor and and keeps me interested till the end. I want more! Plz!!! He is the very best!!!!!
December 9, 2019
Don't know why
But l didn't like this story as much. In fact, l got aggravated by Jake. Same mouth, same old Jake. Where is his story arc?
But l didn't like this story as much. In fact, l got aggravated by Jake. Same mouth, same old Jake. Where is his story arc?
December 1, 2023
This book was OK but I won't be looking for the previous 3.
November 2, 2016
the gale force
April 17, 2017
Really enjoyed this story. Mr. Lane leaves me wishing St. Pete was my home.
November 15, 2016
Jake Travis is back, and knee deep in trouble due to a woman. She showed up at his place, the little slice of paradise on the water, disrupting his world with her tears and anger over the murder of her husband. She wants revenge; Jake wants to keep her alive.
Her husband accidentally ran across information that could have made him rich. Instead he decided to take the high road and went to the authorities. They put him and his wife in protective custody, but that ended up deadly for more than one person involved.
Unable to walk away from the puzzle, Jake goes undercover to help the Feds frame the man they think is responsible for the killings. That is when the lines between the good guys, bad guys and double-crossers blur. The job is becoming more deadly each day, as it draws Jake deeper down the rabbit hole.
As he becomes more embedded he finds another damsel in destress. She is either very dangerous or in more trouble than the original client. Jake enjoys champagne, fishing, his best friend Morgan and loves his girlfriend Kathleen. Is he willing to give any of the things he cares about away to save someone that may not need or want saving?
I love Robert Lane’s style. He is a smart, savvy writer that entertains and surprises me every time. The plot lines are solid; he gives the readers all the information without the need for red herrings but with enough twists and turns to keep us guessing. The characters are well developed and multi-layered, making them come alive on the pages.
Lane has given Jake a sense of humor laced with sarcasm that helps break the tension of the plot. This is done masterfully, allowing the reader to take a breath, chuckle and consider the possibilities of the situation. Some of the comments and one-liners are in the middle of deadly situations. Like when Jake thinks to himself, “When did green carpet come back in style? Why?”.
This is the fourth book in the “stand-alone” Jake Travis series. While all of the books feature Jake and his friends, it is still appropriate to call them stand-alone novels as it doesn’t really matter if you have read the previous books to thoroughly enjoy this one. I have read three of the four, and none of them build on previous plots to the point of confusion. Characters have become more developed, and if you choose to read this one first, you will love it.
But if you choose to start at the beginning, add them to your Christmas list. Reading these four books would be the great way to start the New Year. If you can wait that long.
Copyright © 2016 Laura Hartman
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy that I can keep for consideration in preparing to write this content. I was not expected to return this item after my review.
Her husband accidentally ran across information that could have made him rich. Instead he decided to take the high road and went to the authorities. They put him and his wife in protective custody, but that ended up deadly for more than one person involved.
Unable to walk away from the puzzle, Jake goes undercover to help the Feds frame the man they think is responsible for the killings. That is when the lines between the good guys, bad guys and double-crossers blur. The job is becoming more deadly each day, as it draws Jake deeper down the rabbit hole.
As he becomes more embedded he finds another damsel in destress. She is either very dangerous or in more trouble than the original client. Jake enjoys champagne, fishing, his best friend Morgan and loves his girlfriend Kathleen. Is he willing to give any of the things he cares about away to save someone that may not need or want saving?
I love Robert Lane’s style. He is a smart, savvy writer that entertains and surprises me every time. The plot lines are solid; he gives the readers all the information without the need for red herrings but with enough twists and turns to keep us guessing. The characters are well developed and multi-layered, making them come alive on the pages.
Lane has given Jake a sense of humor laced with sarcasm that helps break the tension of the plot. This is done masterfully, allowing the reader to take a breath, chuckle and consider the possibilities of the situation. Some of the comments and one-liners are in the middle of deadly situations. Like when Jake thinks to himself, “When did green carpet come back in style? Why?”.
This is the fourth book in the “stand-alone” Jake Travis series. While all of the books feature Jake and his friends, it is still appropriate to call them stand-alone novels as it doesn’t really matter if you have read the previous books to thoroughly enjoy this one. I have read three of the four, and none of them build on previous plots to the point of confusion. Characters have become more developed, and if you choose to read this one first, you will love it.
But if you choose to start at the beginning, add them to your Christmas list. Reading these four books would be the great way to start the New Year. If you can wait that long.
Copyright © 2016 Laura Hartman
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy that I can keep for consideration in preparing to write this content. I was not expected to return this item after my review.
September 20, 2016
I was fortunate to obtain this book from Netgalley but was unfamiliar with Robert Lane’s work. After reading The Gail Force, I was intrigued by Jake Travis’ lady love, Kathleen, his friend and partner Garrett, and neighbor Morgan, and look forward to reading the first three books in this series.
The format of this story isn’t just a former military turned PI character and colleagues but some really fantastic quips and funny thoughts. Even though I wanted to know more about things that happened in the past, it didn’t detract from becoming involved in this story. It gave me a little ‘film noir’ feeling and I could just visualize the characters and the scenery.
I highlighted so many phrases and sentences as they were either very funny or just unusual.
'I took a seat and picked up a men’s magazine that professed to know a woman’s eleven hot spots. I put it down. I picked it up. I peeked at the hot-spot article. Really. I had no idea. Plus, they missed two that I know of.'
Jake about Kathleen:
' …glanced at Kathleen. Our eyes met, and my world shrank. It’s that simple. My eyes can chase skin all day, but my heart leaps only for her.'
'…offer to help with dinner was nothing more than common courtesy that she had no desire, or ability, to fulfill. Kathleen in a kitchen was a sailor in a rodeo.'
As much as Jake was crazy about Kathleen, he also enjoyed the view of other lovely ladies.
'The lady? Maybe a C-note in weight. A shapely red halter-top I failed to not stare at and shorts that covered a waist that never bothered to grow.'
' …her white shirt. The top two buttons had the day off.'
Jake is very active with running, etc. in part to wash out all of the alcohol and then he starts over.
'…often find myself, immediately after exercising, looking forward to the Shangri-La part of the day, my mind skipping through the middling hours, hopping from one peak to another. I made a date with myself for that evening to do a little liver damage. Flush and reload.'
This story covered murder, FBI stings, blackmail, and bad guys everywhere you look. This was definitely an intriguing crime thriller with compelling characters.
The format of this story isn’t just a former military turned PI character and colleagues but some really fantastic quips and funny thoughts. Even though I wanted to know more about things that happened in the past, it didn’t detract from becoming involved in this story. It gave me a little ‘film noir’ feeling and I could just visualize the characters and the scenery.
I highlighted so many phrases and sentences as they were either very funny or just unusual.
'I took a seat and picked up a men’s magazine that professed to know a woman’s eleven hot spots. I put it down. I picked it up. I peeked at the hot-spot article. Really. I had no idea. Plus, they missed two that I know of.'
Jake about Kathleen:
' …glanced at Kathleen. Our eyes met, and my world shrank. It’s that simple. My eyes can chase skin all day, but my heart leaps only for her.'
'…offer to help with dinner was nothing more than common courtesy that she had no desire, or ability, to fulfill. Kathleen in a kitchen was a sailor in a rodeo.'
As much as Jake was crazy about Kathleen, he also enjoyed the view of other lovely ladies.
'The lady? Maybe a C-note in weight. A shapely red halter-top I failed to not stare at and shorts that covered a waist that never bothered to grow.'
' …her white shirt. The top two buttons had the day off.'
Jake is very active with running, etc. in part to wash out all of the alcohol and then he starts over.
'…often find myself, immediately after exercising, looking forward to the Shangri-La part of the day, my mind skipping through the middling hours, hopping from one peak to another. I made a date with myself for that evening to do a little liver damage. Flush and reload.'
This story covered murder, FBI stings, blackmail, and bad guys everywhere you look. This was definitely an intriguing crime thriller with compelling characters.
September 14, 2016
Totally excellent story with plenty of twists and turns. It was nice to revisit the main characters. Kathleen doesn't seem as moody in this book and I like her a lot more than in the last book. Jake keeps the story hopping. He does seem to be drawn to drama and crisis! He is great! I sat up half the night reading this book. Once I started I did not want to put it down.
I did receive this book free on NetGalley.
I did receive this book free on NetGalley.
February 11, 2017
Without question, Robert Lane is a master storyteller. I never have time to read a book in one session and found myself picking this one up at all times of the day to find out what would happen next. The plot moves at a pace which made it very difficult to put down.
Jake Travis is a very believable character and I 'm already looking forward to reading about his next exploits later this year.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Jake Travis is a very believable character and I 'm already looking forward to reading about his next exploits later this year.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 21, 2016
The Gale Force is the second book I have read in this series and I am so in love with Jake Travis! If I was in trouble he would be my first port of call for assistance, being dependable, yet unpredictable in that he doesn't play by the rules, charming yet hard boiled and can simultaneously charm and rile people. He is laid back but never to be underestimated in his quest to fight corruption and right wrongs.
Jake goes undercover in Miami trying to discover why an art gallery , Studio 4-20, owned by Phillip Agatha is less concerned with works of art than acts of murder, blackmail and corruption. Most of the action takes place upon the Gail Force, a luxurious boat belonging to Phillip Agatha, AKA the Fatman, and hinges upon the question of whether the FBI has a rogue agent and informant. Jake is torn between his long suffering girl friend Kathleen and Christina, Agatha's personal assistant.
I only have one criticism about this novel and that concerns the tale or should it be tail ,about the donkey. That belongs to stories about the Mafia and I found it clumsy and unnecessary for this story.
I found this a rip roaring ride of a novel, fast paced and exciting, everything a thriller should be.
I am leaving a review on NetGalley and I thank you for the chance to review such an exciting book.
Jake goes undercover in Miami trying to discover why an art gallery , Studio 4-20, owned by Phillip Agatha is less concerned with works of art than acts of murder, blackmail and corruption. Most of the action takes place upon the Gail Force, a luxurious boat belonging to Phillip Agatha, AKA the Fatman, and hinges upon the question of whether the FBI has a rogue agent and informant. Jake is torn between his long suffering girl friend Kathleen and Christina, Agatha's personal assistant.
I only have one criticism about this novel and that concerns the tale or should it be tail ,about the donkey. That belongs to stories about the Mafia and I found it clumsy and unnecessary for this story.
I found this a rip roaring ride of a novel, fast paced and exciting, everything a thriller should be.
I am leaving a review on NetGalley and I thank you for the chance to review such an exciting book.
January 7, 2017
GET CAUGHT UP IN THE WORLD OF JAKE TRAVIS IN THIS LITERARY AND SUSPENSEFUL THRILLER: THE GAIL FORCE .
I really loved this brilliant novel written by Robert Lane. This is the first "Jake Travis" novel I have read. I will be reading them all!! Travis is the type of guy who plays the laid back Floridian guy, but, behind that facade is one intelligent man. Jake is a crime investigator these days. Riley Anderson comes to him for help after she was outed from the Witness Protection Program by a probable FBI agent. Jake is about to become involved with true evil. Phillip Agatha runs an art gallery in Miami. However, art is not his real game......murder is! The game begins once Jake contacts the gallery. He is invited into Agatha's world on the Gail Force, his yacht. Then he begins to get caught up in this glamorous world, partly, due to his concern for Agatha's yacht girl, Christina. Is she trouble or could she be in trouble, too? Will Jake survive the evil machinations of Mr Phillip Agatha? Is the FBI with Agatha or against him? Travis is such a charming, coccky, humorous, and funny hero that the reader can't help but fall in love with him. This is a must read for all crime thriller readers!! I am thrilled to have won this book in an author sponsored drawing! Thanks Robert Lane for writing this exceptional novel!
I really loved this brilliant novel written by Robert Lane. This is the first "Jake Travis" novel I have read. I will be reading them all!! Travis is the type of guy who plays the laid back Floridian guy, but, behind that facade is one intelligent man. Jake is a crime investigator these days. Riley Anderson comes to him for help after she was outed from the Witness Protection Program by a probable FBI agent. Jake is about to become involved with true evil. Phillip Agatha runs an art gallery in Miami. However, art is not his real game......murder is! The game begins once Jake contacts the gallery. He is invited into Agatha's world on the Gail Force, his yacht. Then he begins to get caught up in this glamorous world, partly, due to his concern for Agatha's yacht girl, Christina. Is she trouble or could she be in trouble, too? Will Jake survive the evil machinations of Mr Phillip Agatha? Is the FBI with Agatha or against him? Travis is such a charming, coccky, humorous, and funny hero that the reader can't help but fall in love with him. This is a must read for all crime thriller readers!! I am thrilled to have won this book in an author sponsored drawing! Thanks Robert Lane for writing this exceptional novel!
September 29, 2016
My review of Robert Lane’s “The Cardinal’s Sin” fairly well sums up how I feel about his “The Gail Force.” I was critical of his attempts in SIN at being clever, ventures that sometimes landed flat. Sorting out the characters was also a problem due to poorly constructed dialogue. And, there were too many characters with too many roles that were vague and not relevant to the story.
It sounds harsh but is meant to be constructive, because I believe that Lane has the talent and the imagination to bring forth a really good story. He does that in “The Gail Force” but his shortcomings still dominate. It is a good story, some characteristics are well defined, and snappy comebacks and asides are cleverly inserted. The problem for me is that its still a tangled web of hard to untangle events and plots. I still appeal to the editors to bring Lane under control, take advantage of his storytelling skills and marvelous scene construction, and bring us a new author we can better enjoy.
January 15, 2017
Once upon a time Jake Travis was a soldier, now he is a PI living in Florida and enjoying the good life. His quiet comfort is suddenly interrupted when a young woman turns up on his front lawn with an incredible story about her and her husbands’ involvement with a man named Phillip Agatha – alias The Fat Man -that has placed their lives in jeopardy.
While the villain is nebulous, his cohorts vile, and his right hand gal ambiguous, Jake appears as a man’s man who possesses the attitude, intellect, charm, sense of justice and aesthetic sensibilities to survive any situation. He is a protagonist who is comfortable in his own skin and that quality alone is enough to appeal to readers of both genders.
Trivia buffs will be intrigued, wine enthusiasts fascinated, and those who enjoy a thriller liberally peppered with intelligent and generally appealing characters are certain to warm to the deception, greed and wickedly twisted escapades that liberally pepper the pages of author Robert Lanes THE GAIL FORCE.
While the villain is nebulous, his cohorts vile, and his right hand gal ambiguous, Jake appears as a man’s man who possesses the attitude, intellect, charm, sense of justice and aesthetic sensibilities to survive any situation. He is a protagonist who is comfortable in his own skin and that quality alone is enough to appeal to readers of both genders.
Trivia buffs will be intrigued, wine enthusiasts fascinated, and those who enjoy a thriller liberally peppered with intelligent and generally appealing characters are certain to warm to the deception, greed and wickedly twisted escapades that liberally pepper the pages of author Robert Lanes THE GAIL FORCE.
September 19, 2016
Another good book by Robert Lane. He has his own set of values and tries hard to live by them. Here comes a lady, Riley whose husband has been killed while they are under the protection of the FBI. Who can she trust? An old man she meets while trying to get away from these men tells her to go see Jake Travis and he will help.It is a strange story about a man who sets people up with blackmail for money and favors. Phillip Agatha runs a business selling art as his legit business so trying to get him to make a misstep will not be easy. Christina works for Agatha and is innocent of his not legit side of his life. He has this great luxury yacht called the Gail Force. Christina and his yacht are his weakness in life. Jake is will ing to use one but not the other. Many twists and turns with old friends and of course Morgan, Garrett and Kathleen involved. Be sure to read.
December 31, 2016
In the style of classic PI's, Jake drinks too much. He can be a bit stereotypical of his genre of guys, but it's a stereotype I happen to like! I totally enjoyed the last book in this series, and this book didn't let me down at all.
Jake is going to pull through for what is right, FBI not withstanding. He is a driven man, and not just to drink. He will find Riley's husband's killer, and that will be that. I could have skipped the cross dressing part, but it rather had a reason, not just for the sake of throwing in things that we don't want to read. Long live readable noir, and please pass me the next book in this series.
My copy came from Net Galley. I am leaving this review because I want to and because I really am enjoying this series. My thoughts and my opinons are all my own.
Jake is going to pull through for what is right, FBI not withstanding. He is a driven man, and not just to drink. He will find Riley's husband's killer, and that will be that. I could have skipped the cross dressing part, but it rather had a reason, not just for the sake of throwing in things that we don't want to read. Long live readable noir, and please pass me the next book in this series.
My copy came from Net Galley. I am leaving this review because I want to and because I really am enjoying this series. My thoughts and my opinons are all my own.
October 3, 2016
True to Lane's skills, The Gail Force unfolds it's Intelligent and witty prose to make up the intricacies of Lanes writing. His stories are riddled with figurative language steeped in historical reference and The Gail Force is no exception.
The characters, beginning with Jake Travis and ending with the least of the supporting personalities, are richly described as Lane takes you deep within their psyches. You will become invested in the characters, and even come to care or at least respect the raunchiest of them all.
Truly a magnificent piece, The Gail Force is top shelf and one that plays out within your mind like a cinematic thriller.
*I received an arc from Net Galley for an honest review
The characters, beginning with Jake Travis and ending with the least of the supporting personalities, are richly described as Lane takes you deep within their psyches. You will become invested in the characters, and even come to care or at least respect the raunchiest of them all.
Truly a magnificent piece, The Gail Force is top shelf and one that plays out within your mind like a cinematic thriller.
*I received an arc from Net Galley for an honest review
October 2, 2016
Each new Jake Travis story is better than the last. Jake is a likeable islander with an interesting past, great friends, and a haughty cat. The plot for this story has many options to puzzle the reader, and keeps the suspense growing for page after page. All of the characters are unique and interesting. Each has depth for realism. The style of writing allows for a quick read, which is good because you just can't put it down. The Gail Force is a large yacht that plays a major role in the story. and is a metaphor for the world view of Phillip Agatha, AKA, the fat man. While the story plays out as the reader would hope, there are many surprises along the way. Definitely a great read.
November 6, 2016
I received a free advance e-copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This is a PI mystery that reminds me so much of those written by Robert Parker and Raymond Chandler. The characters are interesting and intriguing. I especially liked Jake Travis with his great sense of humor and wit. I love his funny little quips. This is not a heart-pounding thriller but it is still filled with plenty of action, danger, and drama. ‘The Gail Force’ is a well-written thriller with a great plot and good character development and is well worth the read. A keeper. I look forward to reading more from Robert Lane.
October 5, 2016
Our protagonist, Jake, is a PI who occasionally does work with and for the Federal Government. This time he is brought into a murder that leads to much more. The antagonists are pure evil and run their killing and blackmail business the way a Fortune 500 company is run. They are possibly the coldest killers in today's literature. It is well written and fast moving. Jake makes me think of Travis McGee back in the day. Thanks to Net Galley and Mason Alley publishing for an ARC for an honest review.
November 21, 2016
A new (to me - this is the 4th book in the series) hero, Jake Travis, who tackles organized crime in Florida and the Caribbean and wins. I look forward to reading other books in the series. There are gangsters galore, two beautiful women, some really evil criminals, rogue and straight-arrow FBI agents, and it's hard to Jake to figure out who's who and who's responsible for what. Touches of humor enliven the book, and it's well-written too. If you like books about boating, this should appeal. A lot of the action takes place on an opulent yacht!
September 23, 2016
I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. It might have helped to have read previous books. I had a hard time catching up. I did like Jake Travis very much. A no nonsense PI and well developed character. This was a fun, quick read and plenty of mystery. Riley cracked me up. She was just crazy! Made for an enjoyable day.
October 31, 2016
Really a 3.5. I enjoyed the protagonist and his story was intriguing. Philip Marlow in Florida, who takes risks to protect the wronged. He is a bit flawed, but not enough to make him unlikable. The story line is a bit far-fetched, but not unusual for a mystery/crime story set in the sunshine state. Thanks to Net Galley for the advance copy.
November 8, 2016
In all honesty, I was prepared to dislike this book. I don't typically like this genre of tough-talking, hard-drinking detectives. I'm glad I kept reading though ... I came to truly enjoy this book (including the tough-talking detective). I got caught by the story, and the characters, not to mention some of the quirky quips and humor. Very glad I read it.
January 15, 2017
Full disclosure -- I won this book.
And, I loved it! Boy, can Robert Lane write a great book. I had never read anything by this author and will definitely now read his other books. This is a a terrific mystery/thriller with lots of twists and frequent humor thrown in. It came together beautifully in the end, I thought (which is hard to do).
Highly recommended.
And, I loved it! Boy, can Robert Lane write a great book. I had never read anything by this author and will definitely now read his other books. This is a a terrific mystery/thriller with lots of twists and frequent humor thrown in. It came together beautifully in the end, I thought (which is hard to do).
Highly recommended.
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